Dear Hallmark Channel,
In the past, I have sincerely enjoyed your Hallmark Movies. They got me through countless cold and lonely nights at a very low point in my life. I cannot express my gratitude for helping to keep the faith in the fantastic ideals of love and finally realizing my "Happily ever after" moment, but the joy I have found in so many of your movies has quickly turned to dissatisfaction.
My first experience with Hallmark Channel movies was about two years ago. It was around Christmas time, and I remember watching a few such as "Let It Snow", the "Nine Lives of Christmas" and the "Christmas Cookies" movies. I was hooked! These films were delightful, inspired, full of romance and that magical moment when it all comes together and the protagonists live happily ever after. It was bliss. However, the honeymoon phase has worn off, and like any relationship I have come to the point where I want more. The plot line becomes the same. Boy meets girl, one of the two is either with the wrong person, stubborn and prideful, or being mislead by one of the good-natured antagonists that really means well, but is getting in the way. There is very little excitement as all of the plot development is predictable and mundane.In the past year I have noticed a significant increase in the Hallmark movies you are producing. There are now movies for Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's day, Spring and even the Fourth of July.
You recently took the Hallmark Channel movies to a new level as you began to reinvent a few classic stories such as "Beauty and the Beast", and one of my all time favorite novels, "Pride and Prejudice". Though I liked the re-imaginings of the "Beauty and the Beast" and found the creative way in which they introduced the story, the ending left a lot to be desired. Seriously, if you writers ever see this, the "Beast" character should have punched "Gaston".
As for the recreation of "Pride and Prejudice" which was focused around Dog Shows, "Unleashing Mr. Darcy" was perhaps the most disappointing of your movies I have seen yet. Lizzie, though a stubborn heroine in the novels was depicted as a prejudiced, whiny, immature brat rather than the intelligent, strong-willed, though somewhat naive woman she is. The writing was terrible and all the character repeated over and over again was some disdainful comment about "Donovan Darcy!" There is so much more to this text than what you were able to produce. If you are going to take a well known story and re-imagine it in a more modern format, at least remain true to the text and keep the integrity of the story and the beloved characters intact. I appreciate the direction you went in, but not the execution.
One of my other great disappointments as of late is with the lack of continuation. EVERY movie ends with a wedding or a kiss, which of course is beautiful, but it is rather abrupt and then we never get to see what comes next. I am not suggesting that every movie become a three part mini series, but something more than "I pronounce you man and wife, you may now kiss the bride." would be nice. The exception to this is the Christmas film "Let It Snow". This one is still one of my absolute favorite movies. I adore the idea that a winter vacation spot has really embraced the traditions and wonder of the Christmas season from all around the world. This magical story line evoked wonder and whimsy as the lead character played by Candace Cameron Bure discovered the delights of a childhood she never had. It is truly a beautiful and heartwarming story and the bonus is...THERE IS A SEQUEL!
Overall, dear Hallmark Channel, I appreciate that you are keeping the spirit of love and romance alive. In closing I have one final note to make. The plot of your movies would absolutely have a bit more time to fully develop and create a beautiful story arc if only there were not so many commercials. The constant pervasiveness of commercials leaves a bitter taste in the viewers mouth. All movies, in the last 30 minutes, follow the same pattern. The story arcs to the climax right around the :45 minute mark in the second hour, and then in the remaining 15 minutes there is approximately seven minutes of action and eight or more of commercial breaks. The culmination of the story is wrapped up in the final two minutes of the allotted time and constantly leaves me with the thought, "That's it?" This is not enough. At least not for me.
Despite all of the rather harsh feedback, I am still a fan and eagerly await your spring and summer offerings. The recent additions to the cast have been delightful and I enjoy the new faces and story lines that are continuing to be produced. I simply desire more. Perhaps that was the goal... Keep the viewers wanting more. As for this viewer, that game has run its course, but like all the rest of the hopeless romantics that continue to enjoy and delight in your channel, I will still remain a faithful viewer.
